Northern Macedonia Travel Information

The authorities adopted a March 14 entry ban for foreign nationals – even from medium-risk countries according to the WHO list, with the exception of foreign nationals to whom the Ministry of the Interior issues a permit and which is based on particular national or economic interest. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, UEM stands for Macedonia in geography.

Safety

Northern Macedonia has recently experienced a number of riots, demonstrations and violent attacks. Travelers are strongly encouraged to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. Despite this, most trips to Northern Macedonia are undertaken without any particular problems. Northern Macedonia is represented by an embassy in Belgrade.

Despite politically motivated attacks lately, the terrorist threat in Northern Macedonia is still considered low. Crime in Northern Macedonia is low. Handbag cutting, pocket theft and the like occur. Normal tourist precautions are usually sufficient for travelers in Northern Macedonia.

The greatest risk to travelers is traffic accidents. The roads in Northern Macedonia are not always of the same standard. Travelers should be aware that the combination of ice, snow and lack of safety railings can make driving in northern Macedonia’s mountainous areas very difficult.

There has been a political crisis in Northern Macedonia since February 2015 as a result of tough exchanges of opinion between the opposition and the government. In light of this, there have been demonstrations that have been largely calm, but with occasional incidents of violence. In May 2015, members of an armed group as well as several policemen were shot and killed in Kumanovo 40 km northeast of Skopje.

Norwegians traveling in northern Macedonia are strongly encouraged to avoid demonstrations or large gatherings. It is also encouraged to pay close attention to the media as well as press releases from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian embassy in Belgrade.

  • Countryaah: Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Northern Macedonia is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. July is the warmest month with temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month. There are sometimes very heavy rains, especially in the fall. Minor earthquakes can occur in the area, especially in the north of the country. The capital Skopje has been hit by heavy earthquakes about twice every millennium, most recently in 1963.

Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Northern Macedonia are encouraged to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.

In crisis and emergencies, travelers can contact the Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade which is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:00 (until 15:00 in the period 01.07-31.08)

Sava Business Center
6th floor.
Milentija Popovica 5 and
11070 Novi Belgrade
Tel: +381 (0) 11 3208 000
E-mail: emb.belgrade@mfa.no

Outside the opening hours of the embassy, ​​travelers can contact the Foreign Ministry’s 24-hour operating center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no

In crisis and emergency situations, travelers can also contact the Swedish Embassy in Skopje which is open Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 16:30 and Friday 08:00 – 14:00.
8ma Udarna
Brigada number 2
1000 Skopje
Tel: +389 2 329 78 80
E-mail: ambassaden.skopje@gov.se

Emergency number: Police + 192, ambulance + 194, fire + 193

Major Landmarks in Macedonia

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for visits or tourism in Northern Macedonia for up to three months. For private accommodation, you must register with the local police within 24 hours to get a so-called “white paper”. Without this, travelers will experience difficulties in traveling.

The passport must be valid for the entire period of time you plan to stay in Northern Macedonia. For stays over three months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. For the latest updated information on entry rules to Northern Macedonia, travelers are encouraged to check with the Northern Macedonia Embassy in Oslo. Although Norwegian citizens are visa-free in travel to Northern Macedonia, the passport is the only approved identification document.

Everyone with a foreign passport is required to have a visa in Northern Macedonia. A visa must be applied for in advance. The case processing time is stated to be at least 14 days. Questions about foreign passport visas and the actual application process can be directed to the Northern Macedonia Embassy in Norway.

One cannot enter Serbia from Kosovo unless one also traveled into Kosovo from Serbia. That is, travelers can drive from Serbia to Northern Macedonia and then to Kosovo, but cannot return to Serbia from Kosovo. For more information on border crossings between Kosovo, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Albania or Montenegro, it is recommended to contact Serbian border authorities.

Upon entry, travelers will be asked to declare money (including travelers checks) in excess of € 10,000 (or equivalent in any other currency) that you bring into Northern Macedonia. This declaration is required upon departure.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Covid-19 infection in northern Macedonia has been reported. See more information on the Macedonian Health Authorities website.

The authorities adopted a March 14 entry ban for foreign nationals – even from medium-risk countries according to the WHO list, with the exception of foreign nationals to whom the Ministry of the Interior issues a permit and which is based on particular national or economic interest.

Border crossings for passenger and truck traffic are closed, with the exception of Tabanovce, Deve Bair, Kjafasan, Bogorodica and Blace. Freight cars are still allowed to cross closed border crossings.

Skopje Airport is closed for midnight 18. ds. The airport in Ohrid is closed from 15 March.

According to the risk list updated with information of March 17, Norway is classified as the 12th country among 15 high risk countries.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

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There are no particular health problems associated with traveling to northern Macedonia. However, the standard of public health care is significantly lower than in Norway. The possibilities for medical assistance are good, but the hospitals have limited access to medicines and the sanitary conditions can be worse than in Norway.

Travelers should be aware of the increasing prevalence of the West Nile virus in northern Macedonia. The virus occurs in the summer and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Strengthened protection against mosquito bites is recommended.

You can obtain several medicines and other necessities in one of the many pharmacies. Many private clinics have good offers and the prices of treatment can be compared with the prices in Norway.

Tap water can be drunk, but bottled water is recommended.

For relevant vaccines and official health travel advice for Norwegians traveling to Northern Macedonia, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the recommendations from the Institute of Public Health’s website.

Practical information

According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Northern Macedonia is +389. The telephone network is stable, especially in Skopje and other large and medium-sized cities. There is no time difference between Norway and Northern Macedonia.

The mains is 220 volts, and mobile coverage provides very good coverage across the country with 3G and 4G in big cities. The area code is +389.
The Internet domain is:.mk

Currency: Macedonian Denar (as of 06.03.2019): 100 MKD = 15.8 NOK

ATMs are well-developed and easily accessible in most major cities. Credit cards can be used in shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Please note that the offer may be limited in some smaller locations.

The opening hours of the grocery stores are similar to those in Norway. Grocery stores have limited opening hours on Sundays. Other stores are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday: 08: 00-17: 00. Opening hours may vary in different parts of the country.

National Holidays: January 1 – New Year, January 7 – Orthodox Christmas Day, March/April/May – Orthodox Easter Sunday/Easter Monday/Good Friday, May 1 – Workers Day, May 24: St. Cyrilus and Methodius Day, 17 July – Ramadan, August 2 – Independence Day, September 8 – Independence Day, October 11 – National Rebellion Day, October 23 – Day of Macedonian Revolutionary Fight, December 8 – St. Clement’s Day. If one of the national holidays falls on a Sunday, Monday will be a day off.

Official languages ​​are Macedonian and Albanian. Northern Macedonians use Cyrillic writing, while Albanians use the Latin alphabet. Older Macedonians generally have poor knowledge of foreign languages, but the younger generation has good English skills. English is usually spoken both in larger hotels and in many shops, especially in cities.

Public transport (mainly bus) in Skopje can be crowded at times. The buses are of good quality. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks around Skopje and at some bus stations. Taxis are easy to find and are also very affordable. There are buses between the major cities in the country. There are several buses between Skopje and Ohrid daily. Otherwise, there are some buses between Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola. It is a good idea to buy the bus ticket in advance. The railway network in northern Macedonia covers most of the country and has good connections to Serbia, Kosovo and Greece.

Tips on restaurants, cafes, hotels and taxis are expected.
Foreigners must be able to identify themselves on request. Passports or any copy of passports should be brought.